‘Pro Canada Project’ radio PSA campaign featured in CNN trade war segment

Pro Bono Group’s “Buy Canadian” radio PSA campaign made it to CNN Friday morning.

The Pro Canada Project was featured during an interview with “Toronto Mike” Boon, host of the Toronto Mike’d podcast, in a segment on the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war.

In Friday’s episode of Toronto Mike’d, Boon said he was approached by a CNN producer Thursday evening to join anchor Audie Cornish, and was “intrigued by this chance to address Americans.”

The podcast host and producer told Cornish that “at least in the most populous city in the country, we’re absolutely changing where we direct our dollars right now.”

“I can sense this unified pride across the country. Like Mike Myers said on Saturday Night Live, ‘elbows up,'” Boon continued. “We’re all very unified, united. We’re all willing to pitch in to do what it takes and we take these threats very seriously. Nothing is more important to a Canadian than our fiercely independent sovereignty and when that’s threatened, we get together and fight.”

The segment featured one of the latest Pro Canada Project spots, featuring husband and wife comedians and actors Debra McGrath and Colin Mochrie.

The not-for-profit Pro Bono Group, helmed by Larry MacInnis and Mike Occomore, has now released six PSAs under the campaign, with the latest Canadians to take part, sportscaster Ron MacLean and entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den staple Arlene Dickinson.

“We’re concerned about the fact that people may get tired of hearing about it, but it’s important to have some way to respond to what’s happening in the U.S.,” Occomore told Broadcast Dialogue on Friday, adding that the campaign is being aired by every major station group in the country, with the support of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) and Radio Connects.

Occomore said the CNN feature will help get the word out as they continue producing new PSAs to keep the “Buy Canadian” message going.

“The more it’s gone on, the crazier it’s gotten,” said Occomore. “People are looking for something to be done and it’s great for us to keep going…it’s our way to contribute just to keep our sanity.’

Pro Bono Group is inviting Canadians of note who’d like to participate to contact them.

“We’ll continue the campaign as long as there is appetite for it,” said Occomore.